Page 56 of No Going Back

Once inside, Sean kicked the door closed. He angled so she could reach to flip the deadbolt and set the alarm. He leaned back against the door with a sigh. Branna wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tightly. “I don’t think I thanked you. You saved my life, Sean. You were amazing. I was in such a panic, and seeing you so calm and in control kept me grounded. If you hadn’t been there, I would have given in to the panic, and done all the wrong things.”

“I screwed up, Branna. I should have thought of him approaching through the office.”

That made her laugh softly. “Really? You should have anticipated a move that made absolutely zero sense. Why would he have thought jumping through a curtained window while firing his gun was a good idea? He’s watched way too many bad movies.”

“It almost worked.”

Branna leaned up and put her hand behind his head, applying soft pressure until Sean looked down at her. His eyes held misery and guilt.

She rubbed his neck. “But it didn’t. Because you rushed in despite the gunshots without regard for your own safety. You talked him down. You stopped him putting that bullet in my head.”

The reminder of it had her shuddering, and tears filled her eyes. She smiled through them. “My hero.”

He shook his head sharply, so she cupped his cheek. “You are, and you always will be. Thank you for being so strong and so smart and so brave.”

She pulled his head down for a kiss, and poured all her love and gratitude into it.

When they pulled apart to breathe, he studied her eyes and she let him look his fill. Finally, he huffed out a breath. “You really don’t blame me for Hawley getting to you.”

She smiled and shook her head. “No, because it isn’t your fault. You did everything in your power to put safety measures in place and then, when that didn’t work, you improvised and kept me alive. You’re amazing, Sean. I love you. I was so scared I wouldn’t get to tell you that. I love you with my whole heart.”

Because she was watching so closely, she saw the joy and answer in his eyes before he spoke. “I love you too, Branna. So damn much. It’s been so fast. I didn’t want to say it out loud because I didn’t want to scare you off.”

She patted his cheek again. “You couldn’t scare me off. Everything about you is honorable and amazing. I’ve wanted to say it for days, but I thought you’d think I was moving too fast, too.”

The sexy grin she loved so much popped up on his face. “I love when you move fast. And when you move slow.” He kissed her forehead. “Now, kick off your boots, and let’s get you upstairs.”

He refused her offer to walk on her own, and they were both laughing by the time they got her boots off. She hung Lia’s jacket over the newel post and then Sean carried her up the stairs to their bedroom.

Once inside, he settled her gently on the mattress and cupped her face. “I love you so much, Branna. I’m so sorry you were hurt.”

“It’s nothing major. Lia said I’ll be back to normal in a few days.”

“And you’re going to let me take care of you until then.”

Her heart swelled with love for this gentle man in his warrior’s body. “I am, am I?”

He grinned and kissed her forehead. “You are. Starting now. Stay there.”

From his dresser, he pulled out a t-shirt, then moved back in front of her. He carefully eased off the sling and then Lia’s T-shirt and her bra. He eased one of his shirts over her arm and the rest over her head. Then he replaced the sling. It all took about ten seconds.

“You’ve done this before.”

He shrugged. “You learn to cope with all kinds of injuries in the Army. When Charlie ripped the ligaments and tendons in his shoulder, we were a three-day march from anywhere. We took turns helping him out. He’d be so proud of you and the amazing woman you’ve become.”

Tears swamped Branna’s eyes. “I hope so.”

Sean brushed her cheek. “Hang on another minute.” Then he knelt and eased off her jeans and socks, leaving her in her panties and his shirt.

He shucked his own clothes until he wore only his boxer-briefs. He turned down the comforter on the bed and settled her against the pillows.

Once in the bed, he rested against the headboard and helped her find a comfortable spot on his chest. Then he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her hair.

His voice was a rumble. “We’re home and safe. I’ve been hanging on by a thread since I heard that crash in the diner’s office. I just want to hold you.” His arms were careful of her injuries, but they held her close.

When he trembled, she kissed his chest. His honest words touched her, and she knew she was truly safe. She would always be safe with him. “Me too.” Her voice shook, and he ran his hands over her body.

“Ready?”

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